Konoha Radio

Song: Little Texas' What Might Have Been
Summary: Jiraiya and Tsunade reminisce about their past relationships and fallen loved ones over a few rounds of sake.
Warnings: Death, Drinking & Mild Language
Rating: PG

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"And we're back," the D.J. announces as he sets his coffee mug down. "I hope you all have been enjoying our program tonight and just a reminder that the phone lines are still open. So if you've got a request or would like to make a dedication please give me a call." The man takes another sip of his coffee as he puts the next record on the turntable preparing to play the next song. "This next song is for a everyone out there who, like myself has ever wondered WHAT Might Have Been..."

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Jiraiya and Tsunade are sitting at the bar in a local pub when the song begins to play over the radio. "Hey barkeep," Jiraiya says. "Turn it up would you?" The man only nods as he turns the volume on the radio up as the Sannin requested. "Story of our lives isn't it Tsunade?" he asks the Hokage as he pours them both another drink.

Sure I think about you now and then but it's been a long, long time. I've got a good life now, I've moved on, so when you cross my mind...

Tsunade can only nod as she listens to the somber melody of the oh so perfect lyrics of the song that seems to reach into her soul and draw forth memories she would rather forget. Taking a sip of her sake she offers a kind smile as her thoughts turn to their younger days and the paths they both chose to take in their lives.

I try not to think about what might have been 'Cause that was then and we have taken different roads. We can't go back again, there's no use giving in and there's no way to know what might have been.

Jiraiya notices her smile as he sips his own drink. As the music from the radio fills the air he finds that he too is becoming lost in thought as memories of the past begin slowly making their way to the surface. A sad but gentle smile passes his own lips as images of their younger days move to the forefront of his mind.

We could sit and talk about this all night long and wonder why we didn't last. Yes, they might be the best days we will ever know but we'll have to leave them in the past.

Tsunade's thoughts drift back through the years as she remembers the night she learned of her brother's death and the pain she felt at the loss. Orochimaru had been cold and heartless as always but Jiraiya had been kind and understanding. He didn't patronize her with reassuring words or reminders of how it was an honor to die in battle defending the village. In fact didn't speak to her at all that night, instead he simply held her as she cried into his Jounin vest silently offering her his support and comfort as she mourned her brother's passing.

So try not to think about What might have been. 'Cause that was then and we have taken different roads. We can't go back again, there's no use giving in and there's no way to know what might have been.

The same scene would play itself out again a few years later when she failed to save the man she loved. She had refused to allow anyone to help her as she carried Dan's body back to the village. He had been at the gate waiting for her as she carried her fallen love on her back. He summoned one of his larger toads to carry the body to the hospital while he himself carried her home. Again he said nothing to her as he held her until she had finally cried herself to sleep.

That same old look in your eyes it's a beautiful night I'm so tempted to stay But too much time has gone by we should just say goodbye and turn and walk away.

The pain and sadness in her eyes tell him what memories the song has dredged up for her and though it pains him to see that look on her face he knows there are no words he can say to her that will ease her pain. Instead he does what he has always done. He pulls her towards him as he wraps an arm around her allowing her to rest her head his shoulder as they both sit in silence.

And try not to think about What might have been. 'Cause that was then and we have taken different roads. We can't go back again, there's no use giving in and there's no way to know what might have been...

"Thank you," she tells him as she closes her eyes enjoying the simple act of comfort. He doesn't respond to her words, he never does nor does she expect him to. For the time being she simply allows herself to enjoy the song and the embrace of her oldest and best friend and fellow Sannin.

No, we'll never know what might have been...

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A/N: Sorry for taking so LONG to update this but between the crazy summer at work and my hectic life I’ve had no time for writing. Now that things have settled down and started to return to normal I should be able to once again update on a more regular basis. Thanks to everyone whose reviewed and made their requests. I’ll get working on those sometime in the next couple of days once I’ve finished the other songfics I’ve already started on.

I've had this song kicking around in my head for a while now and everytime it popped up I kept seeing Tsunade and Jiraiya so I finally decided to write this songfic for them. There were several ways this one could have played out but I think this one was the best. What do you all think? And for those that are wondering the DJ is just some random no named character I created for the introductions of the stories. And sorry but Raven and my other OCs from my other stories will not be making an appearance in any of these fics. I love them as much as you guys do but they were created for a specific series and not these stories.

Once again Request, Dedications and Reviews are as always welcomed.